中国，正在西部悄悄推进两个超级“国家工程”

Group 1 - The article highlights the significance of two major national projects in China's western region: the Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project and the Xinjiang-Tibet railway, with a total investment exceeding 1.6 trillion yuan, which is over 1% of China's GDP in 2024 [4][5][7] - The Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project will consist of five hydropower stations with a total installed capacity of 60-81 million kilowatts, generating approximately 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually, equivalent to three Three Gorges dams [5][7] - The Xinjiang-Tibet railway, spanning about 2,000 kilometers, will connect Xinjiang and Tibet, making it the highest and most challenging railway in the world, with an average elevation exceeding 4,500 meters [5][7] Group 2 - The construction of these projects is seen as a strategic move to reshape China's development focus and geopolitical strategy, indicating a shift towards the western region [4][25] - The Yarlung Tsangpo River project aims to enhance energy security, addressing China's reliance on imported oil and the need for cleaner energy sources [25][29] - The Xinjiang-Tibet railway will facilitate trade and economic growth in the western region, potentially transforming Tibet's economy and improving connectivity with the rest of China [32][36] Group 3 - The projects face significant challenges, including high altitude, complex geological conditions, and extreme weather, which complicate construction efforts [8][20][21] - The construction periods for both projects are extensive, with the Xinjiang-Tibet railway expected to take 12-15 years and the hydropower project 15-20 years, requiring continuous funding of 30-40 billion yuan annually for the railway [22][23] - The successful completion of these projects is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and stimulate sustainable economic development in the western region [50]